tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post4476853390673511052..comments2024-03-03T03:23:40.422+00:00Comments on Archie The Wonder Dog: Breaking my 2012 blog duck...Archie The Wonder Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348256617269963755noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-18888845388010440792012-01-28T10:26:06.884+00:002012-01-28T10:26:06.884+00:00Hi Helen-- just rereading this post again and all ...Hi Helen-- just rereading this post again and all the comments-- some good advice in there. I love all your Hexies, but am in shock at the number of blue gingham ones that you need to make for the quilt (1500). You are too funny with the photos of the dogs and your captions of what they are thinking. I have no advice to offer on keeping up with the blog reading and responding-- I don't have nearly as many followers as you and I know that I sometimes get overwhelmed/ behind. Sometimes I think you just have to let it go-- glad you allowed yourself a little break for the holidays--- that's a step! Have you been wearing the boots? Your hexies really are beautiful.Elisa Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04320037827105511594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-81136964478682015142012-01-21T21:57:56.061+00:002012-01-21T21:57:56.061+00:00Hi I have found the tool to add a pinterest button...Hi I have found the tool to add a pinterest button on your blog! <br />Next to your name at the top left is a button called 'about'. second item down gives you a choice of buttons to add to your blog. <br /><br />Enjoy!mammafairyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08970531305586032149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-65279669668542267902012-01-18T23:37:08.475+00:002012-01-18T23:37:08.475+00:00Glad to have you back Helen. Archie and Alfie are ...Glad to have you back Helen. Archie and Alfie are looking sweet as always :) And your hexies are amazing. I especially love the stripey one and the windmill.<br />I love reading blogs, but I only comment if I actually have something to say. And I can only cope with posting a blog post about once a week.<br />I also have a wee half hour set aside each weekday morning when I get back in from the school run. I whizz round and clear up the kitchen while I boil the kettle, pop some porridge in the microwave, and switch the computer on. Then I sit down for a peaceful half hour and enjoy my breakfast while I read some of my favourite blogs.Fiona @ Poppy Makeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13851982947425855195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-41707855001437787812012-01-18T23:00:35.416+00:002012-01-18T23:00:35.416+00:00I have been missing too - been doing some hand-sew...I have been missing too - been doing some hand-sewing too but haven't got round to blogging about it. I feel a huge catch-up post coming on. Like you I try and answer all comments but it's not always possible - I always answer if I'm asked a question. Hope you're feeling more like yourself soon xxxxxAndreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11444423403574283524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-24057805127483283802012-01-18T21:22:24.987+00:002012-01-18T21:22:24.987+00:00Hello you, those hexies are, as usual, adorable! ...Hello you, those hexies are, as usual, adorable! I SO cannot keep up with blogs...generally I end up picking a few favourites rather than reading my list from top to bottom...and I only comment if I've got something to say. If I get a bit more time, I'll dip into some of the others on my list, but I NEVER get through them all...so don't feel bad, we're all in the same situation!Inspiredbyfelixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05340110709280681792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-19016226522298802472012-01-18T15:53:22.924+00:002012-01-18T15:53:22.924+00:00Hi your hexies look great, hope you get back to fu...Hi your hexies look great, hope you get back to full strength again soon. With blog reading I skim some, read others but don't comment (esp on bigger blogs) and read and comment on ones where I feel I know the writer. If they build up sometimes I just delete them from my reader. I don't get as many comments as you but I do try and reply when i can even if it's a quick thanks. My comments come through as emails which I can pick up on my phone so I often do replies when I have 5 mins spare. I also do a lot of my blog reading and replying while watching tv, I appear to be unable to concentrate on one thing at once. I also only do posts once or twice a week. Remember you need to find what works for you. I started my blog as a sort of diary and whilst I am flattered that people read and follow and comment I don't want to get to the point that it's a chore rather than fun. And here endeth my longest ever comment!ScissorsandThreadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14480792077919226095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-84013197169320500772012-01-18T11:02:27.093+00:002012-01-18T11:02:27.093+00:00Helen,
I cannot keep up with all the blogs I follo...Helen,<br />I cannot keep up with all the blogs I follow. And I found that all my other hobbies and interests were suffering. I get up very early and spend about an hour or two visiting and writing. I have found that organizing my photos first helps the blog go faster. <br /><br />I have done no sewing since before Christmas. I made a mistake on my hexie quilt and I am not in the mood to rip out and fix. I have been knitting for a new baby in our family. I am finally figuring out that I can't do it all and that is ok!<br /><br />CarolCarol at Serendipityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03693184377823215010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-5423554776454737592012-01-18T10:42:12.207+00:002012-01-18T10:42:12.207+00:00Great to see you back, don't stress too much a...Great to see you back, don't stress too much about the blog!Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11439215703059551371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-68393642221191363862012-01-18T01:12:06.164+00:002012-01-18T01:12:06.164+00:00Ooooh wow Helen that smartypants stripey star is f...Ooooh wow Helen that smartypants stripey star is freakin fabulous - I want one or a dozen or so for mine... Know exactly what you mean, it was well into feb when I recovered from christmas last year... not so bad this year thankfully but then I didnt do anythin or go anywhere. Just rest up and dont feel bad about it. hugs xSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-28311968389845632012012-01-17T22:06:52.697+00:002012-01-17T22:06:52.697+00:00Great to see you back, and dogs and hexies, what m...Great to see you back, and dogs and hexies, what more could we want!!<br /><br />When I'm really busy I am trying to only look at any bloggy stuff on alternate days (radical suggestion, and loud intake of breath). I tend to find I can skim through things then, and I will still spend time reading about the people I am enjoying getting to know, and others I realise I can skip for a few days and still survive.<br /><br />I've got to definately cut down, or I will never sew (or play with my kids) again.<br /><br />P.S I won't be in the slightest bit offended if you are too busy sewing to reply to this message<br /><br />xSecond Chance Tanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13727515397663252014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-36522798270175548632012-01-17T19:18:19.195+00:002012-01-17T19:18:19.195+00:00Thank you so much for the mention, you are too lov...Thank you so much for the mention, you are too lovely. Glad to hear you are picking up a bit now and those hexies are great! xhelenjaneihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08509776919158177020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-91669810613355727362012-01-17T18:57:37.717+00:002012-01-17T18:57:37.717+00:00good to see you and archie back - and the new slee...good to see you and archie back - and the new sleepover guest! Nice to hear you had a relaxing break. I dont always read all the blogs that I follow, I have some that I always read and others when I have the timeCatherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11495058476707884772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-54340118950524901452012-01-17T18:25:43.125+00:002012-01-17T18:25:43.125+00:00Sounds like we are all in the same boat on the blo...Sounds like we are all in the same boat on the blog reading. I do sometimes think I could be sewing more if I put the laptop down. You know I am a bit challenged and don't use Reader but I occasionally cull some blogs that I follow and realise I have not been reading.<br />Meanwhile your hexies are quite beautiful and your boots fab...I love a bargain too.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00148803101055301234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-75368813106786000802012-01-17T16:24:21.931+00:002012-01-17T16:24:21.931+00:00Great hexies. And glad you had a good break.
I kn...Great hexies. And glad you had a good break.<br /><br />I know, blog reading can really pile up. Especially if you take a couple of days off. More than that and it gets ridiculous. I handle my load by reading blogs on the way to/from work. In my reader, which speeds things up. I don't reply to every post that my blog friends write. I figure no one can do that and that none of us should try to. Depending on howmuch of a backlog I have, I may just skim read the posts, reading some more in depth (especially if the pics or title really jumped out at me). And often, my comments are short. No one seems to mind that either. After all, we'd all much rather spend our time on our crafts. The only thing I make sure I do, is reply to every comment left on my blog, though sometimes it's a few days later.<br /><br />Mostly just don't stress. This isn't supposed to be a chore :)Nichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16299018618298513874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-88367225018547418012012-01-17T15:16:10.886+00:002012-01-17T15:16:10.886+00:00I totally understand going AWOL. :-) Oh and I know...I totally understand going AWOL. :-) Oh and I know all about SAD. It doesn't hit me until right about now when the days all look the same...gray. It helps that the sun has been out and the winter has been mild but that changed recently. Unfortunately, it's a monkey on my back until the first of April. Here's to Spring!!! Lol!<br /><br />Glad to hear your back!Linda https://www.blogger.com/profile/05895441160458124219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-47624028097926872622012-01-17T14:41:45.578+00:002012-01-17T14:41:45.578+00:00Hello Helen and Archie and Happy New Year to you b...Hello Helen and Archie and Happy New Year to you both.<br />I don't often read other comments but I did with this one of yours to see if I too could pick up some tips. I am a slow reader so it takes me ages. <br />What I have started to do, is like you, give yourself permission to not do things. <br />I think some blogs have a button on them which says "Blogging without Obligation"<br />Which is fair enough. I can't keep up with everything that comes in my inbox so I've stopped worrying about it.<br />I also, don't blog as often. The blogs I like the best I subscribe to so that their posts come into my inbox. If I have time to read them I do if not..<br /><br />This is a slow time of year for me too. SAD plays a big part of that for me. However, for some reason I seem to have had a burst of sewing enthusiasm just after Christmas... when I'm usually well in the doldrums. I hope it lasts.<br /><br />Love your hexagons (I love pictures best) and the cute pictures of Alfie and Archie.<br /><br />Take care and be good to yourself :)<br />hugs Ellyx<br />ps love your boots too. My DD has ones very similar.Elly Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13132964984706757601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-14159645187874248792012-01-17T14:19:17.169+00:002012-01-17T14:19:17.169+00:00Hello!! Welcome back! Oh I am just the same with m...Hello!! Welcome back! Oh I am just the same with my blogs, it's getting too much now, I've stopped entering giveways if they insist on following. I think I have said before I am going to have to stop following some as I find I am spending half my day on the laptop! Love the pictures of Archie and Alfie ...oh and your sewing is nice too... :-)Hugs xxxxxSunnybechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14598816858757463280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-66356755862031931032012-01-17T09:26:30.622+00:002012-01-17T09:26:30.622+00:00Great to have you back! Your hexies are flippin&#...Great to have you back! Your hexies are flippin' amazing - I can't even choose a fab cos they are all so brilliant! What hands you've got! Love the boots too! Glad you enjoyed your sweeties! JxoJudith, Belfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15912127248240222402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-49545362365758319912012-01-17T07:40:08.600+00:002012-01-17T07:40:08.600+00:00I like those stuffs especially your boots and thos...I like those stuffs especially your boots and those dogs were so cute. I love them all!Stem Cell Therapy for Dogshttp://www.adiposestemcell.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-55148971375505121312012-01-17T05:50:11.521+00:002012-01-17T05:50:11.521+00:00So nice to see you back, Helen! :o) Hope you'r...So nice to see you back, Helen! :o) Hope you're well rested. <br /><br />Don't worry about feeling obligated to read and/or comment. You have to do what's right for you. I tend to use the blog roll in the right sidebar of my page to scan for blogs to read. I can use the settings to check which blogs to have show up in that list, and have it show them in order of most recent post. That way, whenever I visit my page, I take a quick scan to see if there are any new posts from my favorite blogs.<br /><br />And once in a while, I set aside some time to blog surf, as a treat, where I can just sit and read and comment, etc. But doing it every day would be a full time job, like others have said. <br /><br />Love your boots! And Archie is such a cute, as always. :) Take care.<br />xoKelli Fannin Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06320874172629888663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-66002344607387071772012-01-17T05:47:43.610+00:002012-01-17T05:47:43.610+00:00I love your hexies and that you had a break. I am ...I love your hexies and that you had a break. I am going try what Giles said about the dashboard. I don't comment all the time, and I just hope that my friends understand that I am just behind and busy.Leannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16285223648285145607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-3894858153763872882012-01-17T03:49:12.759+00:002012-01-17T03:49:12.759+00:00Helen....so good you are back! I love all the pap...Helen....so good you are back! I love all the paper piecing! Your hexies are wonderful! I really like the tumbling blocks...I think I need to put it on my to-do list. Well, the dogs are just fabulous...don't you just love them :) My pup was a pound puppy as well...adopting her was one of the best things we have ever done!!!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101540158088271850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-65573901043246634012012-01-17T03:15:05.580+00:002012-01-17T03:15:05.580+00:00hi helen - good to see you back in blogland - can&...hi helen - good to see you back in blogland - can't add anything to what others have written above re 'how to do it all in less time' - other than - you're the mistress of your own time, so do what's right for you - we're a long time dead!<br /><br />...and your hexies are FANTASTIC - from the patterns to the colours - my fave is the one with the sparkly border....<br /><br />and i have a paid of doc martins, they're red - so i totally get your choice in boots - perfick!Shocking Hockinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02724399779922603522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-4686130820283350542012-01-17T02:30:59.570+00:002012-01-17T02:30:59.570+00:00I knew it! The biscuit fairy does exist! and the b...I knew it! The biscuit fairy does exist! and the boot fairy too!! I think boots are awesome and even pondered whether I could wear boots ... then I decided I'd look too much like a cowboy so dropped that idea!!! ... how about the cake fairy? shout if you or Archie spies her!<br /><br />As for less tiring ways of managing the blog reading ... have you thought about trying a screen reader? That might sound daft when you can see perfectly well, but I know from when I could still see enough to read and was resisting trying a screen reader ... it made my eyes so tired trying to read blogs, especially lengthy posts, that I eventually gave up and deserted blog land for a good while.<br /><br />As you've heard, the speed of a reader can be adjusted and you can zip through a lot of blogs in less time than it'd take to visually read them. It's certainly something to think about ... and you can easily turn the screen reader off when you're done reading blogs.<br /><br />The other tip I have is using the Blogger dashboard .... it has the list of blogs you're following and then a list of recent updates ... I go through that list of updates listening to the blog title and who it's posted by, and if it's a blog I want to read (some I follow like stores from giveaways and don't read every update they post) ... then I listen to the first couple of sentences to get the gist of what the post is about ... if it's interesting and I want to read more then I click the link, read the post in a new window, comment if I want and close the window ... the screen reader is then back at the next post in the list and I carry on with the titles / authors, reading the summary, and opening if I want to read more ... it sure speeds things up and I can cope with my reading list of around 80 blogs very easily.<br /><br />Also, as a previous commenter suggested, don't feel compelled to reply to every single comment! I ticked the box to be notified of follow up comments to one I left for you on The Night Before Christmas and have seen first-hand how many comments you sometimes get! I don't try to reply to every single comment I get, and I get a lot less than you (I'm not as cute as Archie!) ... if it's a nice comment, a long comment, or asks you questions then reply to those ... if it's somebody you haven't commented on their blog or replied to one of their comments in a while then comment on that .. but if it's a general nice comment then I'm sure the blogger will understand not getting a comment back all the time ... and they're probably thanking you for not clogging up their inbox with replies that are nice but not really necessary.<br /><br />Crikey I can ramble on sometimes can't I! Hope the suggestions give you some ideas, and I'll be happy to talk more about how a screen reader can speed up your computing if you like :)Gileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11350484616771510066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2300074371992363435.post-73179743041097298882012-01-17T01:02:33.979+00:002012-01-17T01:02:33.979+00:00Missed you! Fantastic hexies, I didn't realise...Missed you! Fantastic hexies, I didn't realise how many possibilities there are! I'm doing the rose and star block party too, my first time pp!!<br />Fantastic boots :)<br />I'm with Laura, have a cull and then if the numbers are still too high hit delete all over a day old - you'll catch up with the ones you really like! Sometimes I only have time to read and not comment, which I hate doing but I'm just too busy!Lucy | Charm About Youhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14802874219199570853noreply@blogger.com